international

This is a news piece from Rotary International’s  Site for the UK and Ireland

RIBI launches Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) is launching an appeal for donations to help rebuild the thousands of lives shattered by the Haitian earthquake.

RIBI President, David Fowler is calling for contributions, which have so far helped victims of the Australia bush fire, the 2007 Flood Appeal and the Boxing Day Tsunami. The gifts will be used to provide long-term and sustainable support for the earthquake survivors.

David said: “700 ShelterBoxes* have already been despatched to the disaster zone, providing tents, clothing, blankets and cooking utensils to the victims.

“To keep this relief effort going, Rotary members are mobilising to raise funds, make donations and help in any way that they can. We are receiving offerings which will support the relief effort and enable victims to reclaim their lives.

“It is too early to tell just how long it will take to recover from this natural disaster. Haiti has been battered by storms previously and much of the population is impoverished. Rotary members from the six Rotary clubs in Haiti are working together and, in some cases, providing shelter for others in their damaged homes. This is where Rotary plays to its strengths.”

(*Click to see Sky News video about ShelterBox’s response.)

Any donations should be sent to:
RIBI Donations Trust
c/o Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland
Kinwarton Road
Alcester
B49 6PB

Please make cheques payable to RIBI Donations Trust and clearly mark your envelope with Haiti Earthquake Appeal.

If you would like to Gift Aid your donation, please download the Gift Aid Form.

Now that the money is in, someone has to count it.

The money was banked early this morning.

But as you can see, it does mount up.

Last weekend Farnborough Rotarians raised £8500 for the Haiti disaster.

The money was raised over Saturday and Sunday at the Meadows Shopping centre.

All the money will go towards buying shelter boxes which can provide immediate help to those who need temporary accommodation. You can find out more from their website click here.

Sue Evans-John Anderson-President Brian Parker-Barbara Anderson-Liz Howarth at The Meadows

Decided that we were going to try and help, not by giving money but buying  survival boxes Called ShelterBoxes These boxes cost £490 each

So how did we mange it, well we hit the ground running Friday, applied for licences to collect money, designed some A Boards, got pictures and headlines from the National newspaper and Saturday morning we at the Meadows shopping centre.

We raised £8500 enough for 17 Shelter boxes and people were so generous, stuffing notes into the boxes and wishing us well.

Whats in a SHELTERBOX

At the heart of every ShelterBox is a ten-person tent. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall.

Every box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens.

Phil and Liz woodford collecting at Marks and Spencers Camberley

Warmth and protection
In addition to the tent, the boxes contain a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.

Self sufficiency
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters can be found in every box. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.

Fit for purpose
Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.

A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove – that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate., there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

With £8500 raised we can now buy 17 Shelterboxes.

Already 450 boxes have arrived in Port Au prince

Thank you to all who gave